Critical Care Ultrasound and Simulation Training Program

The technology of critical care medicine has changed dramatically in recent years. Major advances include intensivist-performed bedside ultrasonography anywhere in the medical center, for large bore catheter placement, chest exams, cardiac echocardiography in shock patients, and abdominal exams in patients with sepsis of unclear origin.

In medical education, major advances have included programmable simulation of procedures and syndromes which can be changed by the instructor. The Division of Critical Care Medicine has instituted universal training of fellows in all aspects of critical care ultrasound as well as simulation training focused on airway management and the treatment of most common critical care syndromes such as septic shock, neurologic emergencies, and surgical complications.

Dr. Lewis Eisen is a national leader in leaders in the fields of ultrasounds, simulation training, and airway training, and has served as faculty for the American College of Chest Physicians in these areas at national meetings. Dr. Eisen's collaborators and co-directors are Dr. Ariel Shiloh and Dr. Carla Venegas.

Future Direction

With a nationally reputable group of critical care expert faculty members onsite, the simulation training initiative has major implications in changing the quality and impact of teaching medical students, residents, and fellows at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

With evidence that simulation training reduces procedural errors, mortality rates, and malpractice claims, Montefiore Medical Center is currently seeking opportunities to further implement simulation training into its residency curriculum.